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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Delay In Menstrual Bleeding After Taking A Depo-Provera Shot?

I recently got off the depot provera shot and I am wondering when I will get my menstraul cycle back? I was supposed to get it on September 2nd but due to my health insurance being terminated, I did not get the shot. My husband and I have had unprotected sex twice and I don t know if I am pregnant. I feel weird pulses and movements in my uterus.
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I understand your concern. The Depo-Provera shot effect usually lasts three months, however it can linger in the blood stream between 120 to 200 days, up to a year. It is common and normal to not have your period back for up to a year - a year and a half after stopping the depo. Bottom line is, there is no estimated time when you get your period after stopping the depo shot. Some women get it right away and some don't. However, just to be on the safe side. if you haven't gotten your period by six months after stopping the shot, then it is best to check with your doctor to rule out any other cause.
Since the depo shot effects last three months, it is possible to get pregnant after this period, however, statistically, it may take way longer than that, and up to a year for the cycle to get back to normal in order for a pregnancy to happen. A large and serious study on the chances of pregnancy after discontinuation of depo-provera showed that the average time to get pregnant was ten months.
So, while it is theoretically possible that you might be pregnant, it is highly unlikely. Just in case, a home pregnancy test will give you peace of mind.

Wishing you good health and all the best.
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What Causes Delay In Menstrual Bleeding After Taking A Depo-Provera Shot?

Hello, I understand your concern. The Depo-Provera shot effect usually lasts three months, however it can linger in the blood stream between 120 to 200 days, up to a year. It is common and normal to not have your period back for up to a year - a year and a half after stopping the depo. Bottom line is, there is no estimated time when you get your period after stopping the depo shot. Some women get it right away and some don t. However, just to be on the safe side. if you haven t gotten your period by six months after stopping the shot, then it is best to check with your doctor to rule out any other cause. Since the depo shot effects last three months, it is possible to get pregnant after this period, however, statistically, it may take way longer than that, and up to a year for the cycle to get back to normal in order for a pregnancy to happen. A large and serious study on the chances of pregnancy after discontinuation of depo-provera showed that the average time to get pregnant was ten months. So, while it is theoretically possible that you might be pregnant, it is highly unlikely. Just in case, a home pregnancy test will give you peace of mind. Wishing you good health and all the best.